Mike Butler wins big in Hallandale Beach special election

March 14--HALLANDALE BEACH -- Bill Julian, a former commissioner who lost his seat in 2016, predicted he'd make a political comeback.

But Hallandale Beach voters dashed his hopes Tuesday when they elected businessman Mike Butler, a former blogger sued by the city for making a public records request nearly a decade ago.

Butler won by a landslide in a crowded field that included retired secretary Ann Henigson, insurance broker Thomas Sands and retired New York City corrections officer Jean Stassi.

"I think the voters of Hallandale spoke loudly," he said from his victory party at the Upper Deck. "Part of it is the desire to change the culture of corruption in Hallandale. I think they were looking for new blood."

Butler will be sworn in on March 19 at 5:45 p.m. at City Hall. To hold onto the seat, he'll have to run in the November election.

Butler, who was recruited to run by Mayor Keith London and Vice Mayor Michele Lazarow, says he hopes to be a calming influence on the sometimes stormy dais.

Julian lost the 2016 election after audio recordings surfaced implying he may have solicited favors from a developer in exchange for a "yes" vote on a high-rise project. He was accused of asking the developer to get him a van for a pet charity along with 300 campaign workers

In the end, Julian was cleared when the State Attorney's Office said there was no evidence he received a benefit of any kind.

As the victor in Tuesday's election, Butler will fill the seat held by Anthony Sanders, a longtime commissioner who resigned in August after being accused of misconduct by the Broward Inspector General.

With all precincts reporting, Butler got 1,274 votes (60.99 percent); Julian got 470 votes (22.5 percent); Henigson and Sands each got 130 votes (6 percent); and Stassi got 85 votes (4 percent).

An election to fill the vacant mayor's seat also is scheduled for November.

Joy Cooper, mayor since 2005, was arrested on felony charges on Jan. 25 and removed from office the next day by Gov. Rick Scott.

Her term ends in November 2020. If she is cleared before then, she can return as mayor.

Butler was an activist and blogger in 2009 when was sued by City Hall after making a public records request for Cooper's email distribution list.

He says the experience made him recognize the importance of government transparency and accountability.

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